Informing and Advancing Effective Policy

Natural Mentoring Relationships: Why They Matter and What We Can Do To Encourage Their Formation

October 31, 2017

Noelle Hurd, Assistant Professor of Psychology, University of Virginia

Natural Mentoring Relationships: Why They Matter and What We Can Do To Encourage Their Formation

Using a resilience framework, Hurd’s research has to date has demonstrated the potential of natural mentoring relationships (i.e., naturally-occurring, supportive, intergenerational relationships between youth and nonparental adults) to influence positively the psychosocial outcomes of adolescents and emerging adults. This presentation will focus on current and future directions of her research. These directions are guided by the following primary research questions: 1) What are key moderating and mediating factors that determine the success of these relationships in promoting more positive developmental outcomes? 2) How do the broader contexts within which youth are situated influence the formation of natural mentoring relationships? and 3) How can we intervene to encourage the onset of natural mentoring relationships among youth who are lacking these supportive ties?